The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast

Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe: Healing Leadership Trauma

“The core message for leaders is that before you do anything, that relationship with the Lord is the central piece.... The Lord loves you independently of anything you do.”  — Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe

Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to talk about the inner work required to lead as a secure and healing-centered person. 

What does it take to invest in our own healing and growth so that our leadership reflects our most centered and secure selves? Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to discuss their book Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish.  In our conversation, Sheila and Nicholas share stories from their 30 years of marriage, ministry, and service, pointing us toward a vision for leadership that is secure and healing-centered. Together, they explain why even our most personal and private wounds can profoundly impact our leadership skills, and they offer some practical thoughts particularly for women in academia. Their shared history gives them a unique perspective on the healing journey of leaders, and I think you’ll really appreciate the wisdom they have to share with us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Healing Leadership Trauma for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Sheila and Nicholas share some profoundly wise and spiritual advice for surviving this election season.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez: Being a Sanctuary

“The biggest thing is to affirm ourselves and not wait for anyone or any room or anyone with any degree or any letters behind their name to affirm our voice and to say that our voice matters. We need to say it to ourselves and for ourselves.”  — Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez 

Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to talk about cultivating communities that offer a sense of safety, belonging, and sacredness to each person. 

What does it mean to pursue truth, compassion, and dignity in our church communities? Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to Be Sacred, Soft, and Safe.  In our conversation, Pricelis offers a clear-eyed critique of some of the areas where our churches have failed in communicating compassion, then gently offers thoughtful suggestions for ways that we can reform and repair our own hearts and our beloved communities. Pricelis combines spiritual formation practices and an invitational style with stories about justice and a vision for a more reflective church body. Her own personal stories add specificity to her vision, and we’re left with a set of tools for growth and self-examination. I think you’ll enjoy our conversation, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Pricelis offers encouragement for grad students about perseverance.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Shirley Mullen: Claiming the Courageous Middle

“If you have two choices, go with the one that’s going to ask you to become a larger person, not the one you think you are capable of doing in that moment. That would be my advice to women…. Do the thing that you don’t think you can do right now and ask God to make you adequate for that.”  — Shirley Mullen

Author and Houghton University president emerita Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to talk about making space for nuanced conversation and political engagement in a polarized society. 

What does it look like to inhabit a middle space in the midst of a polarized society? Author and academic Dr. Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to discuss her vibrant work on the task of creating space for the exploration of complex perspectives. In our conversation, Shirley describes a path toward a more nuanced view of those black-and-white issues that permeate our social and political discourse. She shares her own personal experience of staking out middle spaces and offers suggestions for those of us in academia who feel exhausted by the sensation of not fitting in on any side. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Shirley talks about how the experience of women in academia differs depending on marital status.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Barbara L. Peacock: Soul Care in African American Practice

“When I practice receiving the love of God, opening myself to receive the love of God, I’m blessed by that encounter, understanding that God is love. He is the very essence of love. The very essence of God is love.”  — Barbara L. Peacock

Author and spiritual director Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to talk about the ways attending to the care of our souls impacts our lives. 

How can we attend to the care of our souls in a way that helps us to flourish in our lives? Author, spiritual director, and ministry leader Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to discuss her work in the practice of soul care. In our conversation, Barbara explores the breadth of spiritual practices that can support our formation and the ways we can integrate these into our lives. We talk about her work in understanding the shaping force of history in our spiritual lives, particularly the impact of African American history in our culture today. Barbara’s wisdom and experience offers great insight into spiritual growth for all of us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on one of Barbara’s books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Soul Care in African American Practice at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. For those interested in Barbara’s book Spiritual Practices for Soul Care, you’ll find a link to that book in the show notes as well. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Barbara offers her best spiritual advice for graduate students and faculty.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Amy & Rob Dixon: Penny Preaches

"Your education is not just about the knowledge-acquisition, it’s not just about the degree at the end, but it’s also about your formation. How would God speak to you through whatever class you’re in, whatever program you’re in, through the community of scholars you’re a part of? Be looking for that too." — Rob Dixon

Authors Amy and Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to talk about encouraging women and girls to fully receive the good gifts God gives to each of us.

What does it look like to empower women to live out their God-given callings even from girlhood? In an interview that is a little different from our usual offerings, Amy & Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to discuss their new picture book entitled *Penny Preaches.* Our conversation covers Amy & Rob’s writing and publishing process, the joys of working on this project together, and the appreciated they’ve already heard from readers of this book. They talk frankly about some of the opposition they’ve experienced as well as the hope they have for women in the church. Amy & Rob were really fun to talk with, and I’m extra-pleased to invite you into a book giveaway! Head to 2well.us/penny before September 18 and fill out our book giveaway form to be entered into a drawing for one of four copies of Penny Preaches. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Amy & Rob offer some tips on raising children in a dual-career family.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Joanna Meyer: Women, Work, and Calling

"In your heart of hearts — your deepest conviction — do you believe that God is sufficient for your need? Because if we don’t, it’s treating perfection like an idol in our life. We can become enslaved to the point where it distorts us." — Joanna Meyer

Listen in on our summer book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals director Karen Guzmán conducts an online discussion with author Joanna Meyer where they talk about perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of our podcast as we share the recording from our Summer 2024 Book Club author event. In this interview, we hear from the director of Women Scholars and Professionals, Karen Guzmán, who hosts a conversation with author Joanna Meyer about her book Women, Work, and Calling. 

This conversation with Joanna offers a snapshot of the experience of participating in a Women Scholars and Professionals book club — plus, you’ll enjoy getting to know Joanna and the ideas in her book as they discuss perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues. Our book club finale episode begins with Karen’s introduction of our guest and we’ll cap it off (after the credits) with an excerpt from the conversation where Joanna asks a question for our book club members that she is curious about. 

You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Beginning Well: Podcast Guests Give Their Best Advice

"You're someone who's smart and who's capable and God has plans for those gifts." —Dr. Jennifer Holberg

What is the best advice you've heard about starting the school year? Listen in to some of the wisest moments from our podcast in this special back-to-school episode.

We’re looking toward a fresh school year and thinking especially about those of you who might be looking for some tips and tricks from women who have experience with university life and rhythms. Perhaps you’re a first-year graduate student, preparing yourself for a course of rigorous study. Or maybe you’re easing into life as a faculty member at a new institution. Or perhaps you’ve been around for a little while but you’re looking for some fresh tips and energy to help you start the year well.

For this special podcast episode, we’ve combed through our interviews from the past year and curated a series of conversation moments that address the question: What advice do you have for women who are new grad students or faculty? We invite you to settle in and receive these words from women who have been there and have hope for your future.

We’re going to dip into six different podcast conversations for this episode. I won’t offer lengthy introductions of each of these guests or their books, but if you’d like to follow up and listen to the full conversations with them, you can find links to all of the featured episodes in our show notes. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Jeff Haanen: Working from the Inside Out

"Lots of people don’t have eyes to see how good and important their work is." — Jeff Haanen

Listen in on our spring book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and leader Jeff Haanen where they talk about the ways inner transformation impacts our work and vocation.

Are you tired of living a disintegrated life? Do you want to feel whole, be an integrated self? Jeff Haanen shows how we can seek deep spiritual health rather than be formed by our culture that influences us to live fragmented lives. He encourages us to life our inner and outer lives with integrity, both oriented towards God. He emphasizes the work of inner transformation that leads to external transformation, including how we view and participate in our work.

In this finale of our Spring Book Club, we engage in conversation with Jeff Haanen about his book Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Jeff Haanen founded the Denver Institute for Faith & Work — a community of conveners, teachers and learners offering experiences and educational resources on the gospel, work and community renewal. He led the Denver Institute as CEO for ten years before stepping down in 2022. His milestone achievements include  launching their first gathering of Women, Work & Calling in 2016 and Business for the Common Good in 2017. Jeff has published cover stories for Christianity Today in October 2018 and February 2019. Apart from his book Working from the Inside Out, Jeff has also published An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God’s Purpose for the Next Season of Life. Jeff graduated from Valparaiso University and has a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. He is also a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst. Today, Jeff works with servant-leaders in positions of influence in business, investing, and higher education who want to embody “love God and love your neighbor as yourself” in their work and arenas of influence. He lives in Denver with his wife and four daughters and enjoys the outdoors and travel.

Programming Note: We’ll be taking a two-month summer break here at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. Our team will be resting and reconnecting and planning for the future during June and July, so we encourage you to catch up on back episodes, get some rest yourself if you can, and watch for our next season to begin in August.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Grace Hamman: Jesus through Medieval Eyes

“You discover these people who uniquely speak to you, who are not just wonderful and wise in their own right, but actually become your teacher and your friend in a very real way.”  — Grace Hamman

Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss medieval Christian ideas and the ways they can impact our spiritual lives today. 

What can we learn from medieval Christians about Jesus and how could such ideas connect with our modern day world? Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. Grace writes about medieval representations of Jesus, highlighting ways that these images can enrich our own faith today. Grace helps us to see that a deep understanding of these historical concepts allows us to expand our view of God and reveal our own unexplored assumptions, much in the way we grow when learning about other present-day cultures. Grace doesn’t shy away from the challenges of studying medieval literature, and at the same time she paints an appealing picture of the ways our own spiritual understanding can grow through this kind of reading. Her book is lovely and I really enjoyed my conversation with her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Grace talks about the way she found scholarship and raising tiny children to be mutually beneficial.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean: Moms at the Well

“God loves you and there is a community of women who can love you too." — Tara Edelschick

Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss parenthood, life in the academy, and the path toward spiritual transformation. 

How does the work of parenting create space for deep spiritual transformation? Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss their book Moms at the Well: Meeting God through the Mothers of Scripture. Tara and Kathy describe their own journeys of struggle and growth as they each parented young children, developing a friendship along the way that sustained them through their darkest moments. They co-authored Moms at the Well — a robust, 7-week Bible study experience — to encourage other parents through struggle and into an experience of grace. We talk together about their graduate school studies and the ways academic spaces can offer particular challenges to parents. It was really fun to talk with these two friends and I think you’ll enjoy their wisdom and their delightful personalities. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tara and Kathy offer their best advice for new grad students and young faculty members.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Moms at the Well at ivpress.com. And even better — if you’re interested in purchasing these books for use in a group and plan to buy five or more books, use the code IVPGROUP25 for 40% off and free shipping. 

One more thing! We at Women Scholars and Professionals would like to invite you into a study of Moms at the Well by “taking a sip with us”  and joining us to discuss the first chapter. The online event will take place on June 10 at 9 pm eastern time. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Even if you can’t make that particular date, you can fill out the form to indicate your interest in events like these.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Emily Smith: The Science of the Good Samaritan

"I don’t think people really understand what systemic racism, structural violence, and equity actually are because I think if you do, you realize they’re holy words — because they’re showing us where heaven isn’t quite on earth yet." — Dr. Emily Smith

Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss compassion, public health, and the challenges of thriving as a woman in science. 

How do we live as true neighbors in a world that is designed for more for competition and inequality than compassion? Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss her book The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors. During the height of the pandemic, Emily became known as The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist through her social media outlets where she reached 3-4 million people per month during the years 2020-2021. I remember those days, and I depended on Emily’s updates to help me stay informed about keeping safe while the public health landscape shifted dramatically. It was a real treat to talk with her about her work as an epidemiologist, and also to hear her thoughts on life as a faculty member, as a scientist, as a global citizen and as a faithful Christian working to integrate all parts of her life into a whole. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Emily shares about thriving as a woman in science.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Jeanne Porter King: Leading Well

"The Spirit accompanies us wherever we are….Worship opens us up to the realm of the Spirit. And it’s not just to be opened up for the times we are in church, but for our work in the world and our life in the world." — Jeanne Porter King

Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss wellness, leadership, and the opportunities for Black women. 

What does it look like to thrive as a leader while resisting oppressive forces in our culture? Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Leading Well: A Black Woman’s Guide to Wholistic, Barrier-Breaking Leadership. The book follows the story of the Samaritan woman at The Well in John 4, establishing a framework for leadership that uniquely reflects the lives of women of color. Jeanne writes about specific challenges that Black women face in leadership roles, educating all of us and offering widely applicable leadership wisdom. We talk about the role of the Holy Spirit in pursuing our callings and how patriarchal systems can inhibit our ability to ask for what we need. Jeanne’s instruction is wise and spirit-filled, and I think you’ll enjoy listening. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jeanne talks about the unique ways caregiving can  complement our leadership journeys.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Maria Liu Wong: On Becoming Wise Together

“Theological education means paying attention to all of the sources that shape you spiritually, theologically, and seeing that the questions you’re asking as a parent or as a student is theological reflection in practice.” — Maria Liu Wong

Author and educator Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss the ways community and relationships create space for the riches of theological education. 

How can we open ourselves to the opportunities for theological education all around us — whether or not we are in seminary? Author and educator Dr. Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss her book On Becoming Wise Together: Learning and Leading in the City. This book is part of a 12- volume series with the Theological Education between the Times project, a diverse initiative that explores the changing landscape of theological education. Maria offers her own rich life experiences as a medium through which she tunes into the theological lessons God has for her as she digs deeply into the stories of her family, her friends, and her community. I loved the way Maria’s viewpoint opens us to the constant presence of the Holy Spirit and the ways we’re continually being shaped by the relationships and communities of which we are a part. Maria’s voice is distinctive and wise, and I think you’ll really enjoy learning from her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Maria shares some tips about integrating the work of parenting into one’s academic calling.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Tiffany Eberle Kriner: In Thought, Word, and Seed

“I think the key is to invite people into a space with you — to be the one who is always inviting people is the way to be in academia….Invitation is a great virtue to cultivate in a younger person.” — Tiffany Eberle Kriner

English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner joins us on the podcast to explore the ways caring for the earth, the life of the mind, and our common humanity intersect.

What does it look like to combine a calling to write and teach with a lifestyle of nurturing the land? English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner describes the joys and tensions of her multifaceted life in her book In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm. Tiffany shares her experiences of both teaching and caring for the earth and describes how they inform one another in remarkable ways. In a book written mostly during the pandemic, Tiffany offers insightful reflections on race, hope, faith, and the beauty of life. Her essays  take unexpected angles on a story that we have all lived through in the pandemic, and she finds connections with literature that provide rich and thoughtful questions for consideration. Tiffany is winsome and fun and a joy to talk with, and I think you’ll really like her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tiffany shares about the delights and challenges of raising children while pursuing an academic career. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez: Healing Conversations on Race

“The best way for us to work out our thoughts and feelings and experiences about race is in relationship with another human being. ” — Krystal Hays

Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez talk with us about building and deepening cross-race relationships in a way that reflects deep faith and rigorous research. 

How can we faithfully navigate the complexities of race in our everyday relationships? Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez join us on the podcast to talk about their book Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices From Scripture and Psychology. These women partnered on this book with two other colleagues — Joshua Knabb and Charles Lee-Johnson. Together, they developed the HEAL model for building and deepening cross-race relationships. The model is grounded in the narrative of Scripture and informed by psychology and social science. Krystal and Veola are both inspiring and practical, and I think you’ll really enjoy learning from them. 

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Healing Conversations on Race at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the episode, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where we talk about how to overcome the sense of walking on eggshells around the issue of race.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Chanequa Walker-Barnes: Sacred Self-Care

“The self is the person that was beautifully and wonderfully created in the image of God. And so self-care for me is about taking care of that, is recognizing that I am a gift of God. Every one of us is a gift from God — our creation, our existence is a gift from God. How do I respond to that gift?” — Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Psychologist and professor Chanequa Walker-Barnes talks with us about the importance of self-care for our spiritual well-being and why this matters to women academics.

What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “self-care”? Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes joins us on the podcast to discuss the spiritual benefits of self-care and its role in our human flourishing. In her book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, Chanequa offers practical strategies for caring for ourselves in body, mind, and soul. In our conversation, she explains that we’ll be able to care for others and live out our purposes in the world much more effectively when we make sure that our needs are addressed. I loved talking with Chanequa — she is delightful and wise and challenging and a wonderful teacher. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Chanequa describes how we can use her book as an accessible and nourishing devotional during Lent.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Jennifer L. Holberg: Nourishing Narratives

“Be yourself! Be your own crazy self. Authenticity is more important than being a 'should.'” — Jennifer L. Holberg

English professor and author Jennifer Holberg talks with us about the power of narrative, the ways story can shape our lives, and the joy of teaching.

Who doesn’t love a good story? English professor Jennifer Holberg joined us on the podcast to talk about the ways literature, Scripture, film, art, and life experience all weave themselves together in shaping our souls and our culture. Jennifer explores these ideas in her book Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape our Faith, a book which draws the reader into the process of carefully examining and reflecting on the stories in our lives. I found so much joy in reading Jennifer’s delightful book, and my conversation with her was just as compelling. As you might expect, she is a wonderful storyteller! Jennifer generously shares wise words from her decades of teaching and offers beautiful words of encouragement for our listeners.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Nourishing Narratives at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Jennifer talks about her thoughts on being a self-described “well-contented spinster.”

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Amy L. Sherman: Agents of Flourishing

“When you have the face-to-face depth of relationship and that shared commitment to looking out that is where we find really, really deep satisfaction.” — Amy L. Sherman

Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author, scholar, and practitioner Dr. Amy Sherman where they talk about how Christians can be agents of flourishing in our world.

Are you troubled by the brokenness in every aspect of human life? Do you want to explore how our Christian faith speaks to real world problems?

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Amy Sherman about her book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Dr. Amy Sherman shows how Christians can contribute to the flourishing of all human life both through our vocations and through the church. You will be inspired to ponder how your own passions, expertise and work can be used for God’s purposes in our world.

Amy Sherman directs Sagamore Institute’s Center on Faith in Communities, a capacity building initiative for congregations and faith-based and community-based organizations. 

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Tish Harrison Warren: Advent

“Advent turns our eyes away from [ourselves] toward this much bigger story of God’s salvation of all the cosmos.” — Tish Harrison Warren

Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren talks with us about the traditions of Advent and how to observe the season meaningfully in the midst of a busy season.

It’s November 2023 and the beginning of Advent is rapidly approaching in just a couple of weeks on December 3. But what exactly is Advent and how can we observe it well? Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren joined us on the podcast for a discussion of her recent book, Advent: The Season of Hope. Tish’s background as a campus minister with InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries gives her special insight into the busy nature of December, and she offers practical and grace-filled advice for praying through Advent as an academic. The book isn’t an Advent devotional, but instead a book that orients the reader to the practices and traditions of Advent and suggests ways to integrate them into life today. It’s a fascinating book, and I think you’ll like this conversation — we have a special place in our hearts for Tish and it’s a joy to chat with her about life, writing, theology, Advent, and everything in between.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Tish’s book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Tish shares her thoughts on Advent wreaths and Advent calendars.

But before we move on to the interview — let me encourage you to join our Advent devotional readings at The Well for 2023. We’ll be praying through a free online devotional by Kate Bowler and meeting a few times online to discuss and reflect. We’d love to have you join us.

And one more thing — this will be our last podcast episode for 2023. We’re already working on a lineup of terrific guests for the new year, and we’ll be thrilled to be with you again in January 2024.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Elizabeth Felicetti: Unexpected Abundance

“There is hope and there is fruit and there is life, whether or not we one day have children. And I hope that in looking at these 25 women, that people might be encouraged and inspired and realize what abundance there is out there.” — Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti

Episcopal priest and author Elizabeth Felicetti talks with us about living a rich and generative life as a woman without children and the twenty-five women who have inspired her.

What does it look like to live a rich and generative life as a woman without children? The Reverend Elizabeth Felicetti joined us on the podcast to explore this question and talk about some of the twenty-five women she has written about in her book Unexpected Abundance: The Fruitful Lives of Women Without Children. Elizabeth shares from her own personal experience of life as a barren woman — a term which you’ll hear her reclaim in a beautifully positive way. She weaves her own story, including an ongoing fight against cancer, into the book as she highlights strong and refreshing examples of childless women throughout Scripture, history, and our present day. I especially loved Elizabeth’s emphasis on the partnership of women and her urging that women support one another regardless of maternal status. It’s a delightful conversation, and if you listen to the end, I’ve included an excerpt in which Elizabeth reveals a bit more about her journey through cancer treatments while she was completing her MFA. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!